§ 77. Mr. WALKERasked the President of the Board of Trade the names and the qualifications of the persons who will constitute the committee of inquiry into the iron and steel industry; and the scope of the inquiry and whether it will include not only the general organisation of the industry but also factors relating to its financial commitments and the effect of these upon its policy and development?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe inquiry will be conducted by the Import Duties Advisory Committee. This Committee consists of the following gentleman:
The terms of reference are:
- The Rt. Hon. Lord May, K.B.E.,
- Sir Sydney J. Chapman, K.C.B., C.B.E., and
- Sir Allan Powell, C.B.E.
To examine the present position of the iron and steel industry in the light of all the data now available and in so far as is practicable to report, with due regard to the national interest, on the general lines of its future development.
§ Sir P. HARRISIs it not a fact that this particular Committee is largely responsible for the present policy, for the special rates of duty, and for the present approach to the industry, and is it not a case of the same Committee considering its own policy?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir. The policy is the policy of His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir P. HARRISBut was not that policy based on the recommendations of the May Committee?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir, it was not.